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Project Resources

Instructions

The patterns included provide two different styles -- one wrapped in fabric and the painted version shown. Both go together in the same way, but use different templates for the front (A). The valance shown measures 48 inches long. To lengthen or shorten the pattern, add or subtract equal lengths in the flat portions of the pattern and the center point (Project Diagram, Drawing 1). Adjust the shape of the curves as needed to create smooth lines. The valance front should be 4 inches longer than the outside width of your window trim.

Step 1

Cut a 15-in x 48-in MDF piece for the front (A), two 6-in x 6-in top blocks (B) and two 6-in x 15-in side panels(C).

Good to Know

A full sheet of MDF weighs more than 70 pounds. Have a Lowe’s associate cut the sheet in half for easy transportation. All of the parts can be cut from one 32-in x 49-in piece that can be cut in the store.

Step 2

Download, print, and assemble the cutting pattern for the front (A) based on either the painted valance or the fabric valance. Lay the 10 patterns out side by side to form the outline of the valance. Sketch in the gaps between the patterns with a pencil to complete the shape. Cut the pattern and attach to the front using spray adhesive. (Follow the label directions for making the adhesive repositionable.) The top of the template should be flush with the top and sides of the front panel.

Step 3

Holes in the corners allow space for the jigsaw blade to turn.

For easier cuts with the jigsaw, first drill a 1/2-inch hole in each of the inside corners. Safety note: Always wear breathing protection when drilling, cutting, or sanding MDF to avoid inhaling the fine dust.

Step 4

Cut slowly to follow the lines as precisely as possible.

Using a jigsaw with a fine-tooth (12 or more teeth) blade, cut out the pattern just touching the pattern lines on the waste side. Sand the MDF to the pattern lines.

Step 5

Glue and clamp the sides and mounting blocks to the front.

Glue and clamp the sides to the front panel and the top blocks (B) to the sides (C) and front (A) (Project Diagram, Drawing 1). After the glue dries, add nails to reinforce the connections. Set the nail heads below the surface, fill the holes with wood putty, and sand smooth.

Step 6

Sand the MDF edges and faces with 100-grit sandpaper and wipe clean. Mix about 1/4 cup of wood glue with 1/4 cup of water and brush the solution over all the MDF faces and edges to fill the porous surfaces and provide smoother surfaces for painting. After the valance dries, smooth it with 100-grit sandpaper and wipe clean.

Step 1

An adjustable square helps hold your pencil and uniform distance from the edges.

Apply two coats of paint (Polar White shown) to the entire valance. For the upholstered version, paint the inside surfaces only. After the paint dries for at least a half day, mark the border using a pencil and a combination square set for 1 inch. For straight lines, mark the beginning and end of the line, and then connect the marks with a straightedge. Continue the border from the front to the sides. Fill in corners by hand as needed.

Step 2

Place tape just beside the pencil lines. You’ll need to paint the curves freehand.

Apply painter’s tape along the straight lines. (You’ll need to paint the curved areas by hand.)

Step 3

Paint straight sections of the border with a small roller.

On the straight areas, use a trim roller to apply a base coat (Homestead Resort Gold shown). Paint the curves using a small angle brush. After the first coat dries, apply a second one.

Step 4

Apply a top coat (Crystallized Ginger) using a roller and small brush. Let dry and recoat before removing the tape.

Step 1

Using spray adhesive, attach quilt batting to the front and sides of the valance. Trim the batting to allow enough to wrap around the top and the edges and extend 1 inch around the inside faces. Staple or glue the batting in place.

Step 2

Staple fabric to the top edges; pull it down over the front to cover the batting following the contours of the front. Staple the fabric to the inside and trim away the excess. Finish by extending the fabric around the sides and stapling it in back.

Step 3

Use a ruler and a fine-tipped marker to make dots every 3/4-inch along the edge spacing the nails 3/4 inch from the edge. Use a tack hammer to drive the upholstery nails

Step 1

To install the completed valance, fasten a 5-inch corner brace to the wall on both sides of the window (Project Diagram, Drawing 2). Check that the braces are level. Rest the valance centered on the braces with the back against the wall, and then mark the screw hole locations on the top blocks for each brace. Drill 1/8-inch pilot holes and fasten the valance to the braces with 5/8-inch screws.

Good to Know

Wood studs underneath the drywall next to the window trim provide a solid anchor for holding corner braces in place.